Travelling with extra propane tanks

[AirMiles]

How to connect a generator to the low pressure port? Here is how I did mine: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ml#post1996143

How long does a tank of propane last? I dry camp almost exclusively without shore power and use 15# of propane every seven-to-ten days. I use the 20# exchange tanks from Walmart that are filled with 15# of propane.

How do you carry extra propane?
I carry an extra 20# exchange tank in a milk crate inside my pickup truck bed with a tonneau cover as a portable tank to run my generator, propane stove and propane grill. Since propane is heavier than air, any leak would easily escape out the truck bed as I can see light in many places around the truck bed and the tailgate has a huge gap at floor level. I switch this portable tank with the one on my Airstream that runs out of fuel and then exchange the portable tank the next time I drive past a Walmart.

How to connect a Weber Q grill to the low pressure port?: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ml#post2186916

[Ladyfish]

We have been to the greater Yellowstone area and camped for many years. Will be heading out again in July and will not return until September.

You do NOT NEED to haul extra propane tanks. As others have said, when 1 empties you use the other and take the empty to be re-filled. Lots of places, no problems.

Depending on when you go, the bigger problem is a place to park. You cannot boondock in most of the areas near YNP. If your rig is small enough, you might find an open space in one of the BLM unimproved parks. Otherwise, make reservations...

Good luck & have fun!

[Tony Lee]

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

I don't see the need for extra tanks. Ours last for weeks and we never had a problem finding a place to refill them.

YMMV.

Run the furnace or a generator and they last for days

[brundom]

We have a Champion 3500 Dual Fuel, but don't want to use gasoline. We learning that the generator hose has a regulator and that the quick connect port on our trailer is also connected with a regulator. Thus a double regulator will not provide enough fuel. Therefore the need to have a dedicated propane tank. Any suggestions?

[rmkrum]

Look at the “which Generator” thread for a method to connect it properly to a quick connect port. Basically you remove the both the propane tank connector and the small regulator together. Then you hook up a quick connect hose to the big regulator from Champion that then plugs into the generator propane port. I’ll PM you some links shortly

[rideair]

Do they carry the basket with the fuel in it home in a closed SUV? I would think while in flight a balloon basket is better vented than a Escalade.

Bill,

Most 90% of all pilots keep their systems/baskets (full of propane) in either standard box-trailers or even standard cargo-vans that they use as chase vehicles, which sit out in the sun all day long with the basket inside. If you fill your tanks correctly (80% full), have the tank and valves inspected each year (which we do by FAA rules) you should never have a problem.

Just helped a fellow pilot with a flight last weekend, afterwards I asked "You unload your van when you get home?" Answer: "Nope, I'll pull the basket out to refuel, then it goes right back in for storage until the next flight".

Please understand the propane tanks we use are very close to forklift tanks, the only difference we draw liquid vs. vapor off the tank.

Enjoy,

[Silvr_Bullet]

Originally Posted by rideair

And to think hot air balloon pilots travel with balloon baskets inside of vans all over the country to events with 40-60 gallons of propane in the basket all the time. Rule has always been, "Show up full of fuel, leave full of fuel".

Now that I've read this thread, guess I'll never be attending another balloon event in my life.

The rules of life that others provide.

Enjoy,

We don’t receive certification by the FAA!